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St. Croix's Buccaneer offers twist on "Jump the Broom" with new wedding packages

Tying the knot is a piece of cake at St. Croix's Buccaneer resort, where wedding packages feature elaborate family affairs, romantic couples-only elopements, and - new for 2011 -- festive "jump the broom" rites of passage, a modern interpretation of an ancient African tradition.

The resort's four wedding packages for 2011 share the following features: Wedding location at the resort's restored 17th century sugar mill or its palm-lined beach; the services of a personal wedding planner and non-denominational minister (if required); services of a photographer and selection of 40 images plus CD; his and hers Buccaneer bathrobes; his and her massages; bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere; his and hers sterling "hook" bracelets, and welcome basket of champagne, fruit, cheese, and chocolate.

New for 2011, couples at The Buccaneercan enhance their ceremonies with a "Jump the Broom" ritual, based on a centuries-old African tradition of jumping over a gaily-decorated broom as a symbol of entering a new life together with a clean sweep. "Jump the Broom" includes a traditional invocation and a one-of-a-kind wedding broom designed by an artist exclusively for the couple, and is priced at $500 as an add-on to the wedding package of choice.

The all-inclusive "Hibiscus" package enhances the four packages' shared features with a reception at The Buccaneer'sBrass Parrot restaurant; musical entertainment for the wedding and reception, and a morning-after breakfast for hotel guests with mimosas and Bloody Marys. "Hibiscus" begins at $8,100 for a minimum of 20 adults, not including accommodations.

The Buccaneer'sthree additional wedding packages offer the shared features as well as unique attractions. The "Sugar Mill" package includes a beach wedding followed by dinner for up to 12 people in the restored 17th century sugar mill overlooking the sea, for $5,500 for 12 people. The "Bougainvillea" for two to 19 guests offers a wedding dinner at The Terrace restaurant with wedding cake and champagne for $2,650 for two. "Elope to Paradise" includes the packages' shared features for up to six guests, starting at $1,350 for two.

All packages are valid through December 16, 2011, and do not include accommodations or airfare. Restrictions apply, and prices are subject to change without notice.

For additional information visit our website. For reservations, call (800) 255-3881. In addition to wedding package details, the website also includes frequently asked questions about getting married in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and testimonials about getting married at The Buccaneer.

About The Buccaneer - the Caribbean's Longest-Running ResortThe Buccaneer, family-owned and operated for 64 years, is the Caribbean's longest-running resort and the only hotel in the Virgin Islands to be selected for membership in the exclusive roster of Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The resort has the distinction of being owned and managed by the Armstrong family since 1947. It was founded in the 17th Century as a Knights of Malta manor, and in subsequent decades the property served as the childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, a French Great House, sugar plantation, cotton farm, and cattle operation. The resort has been named one of the world's top 50 tropical resorts by Conde Nast Traveler, one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, and one of the best family resorts by Forbes. Located on the eastern end of St. Croix, less than a five-minute drive from the historic town of Christiansted, The Buccaneer's 340 tropical acres feature an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, three beaches, a water sports center, a two-mile nature and fitness trail, fitness center, spa, three restaurants, a shopping arcade, and other amenities. The 138 elegant and spacious guest rooms are located throughout the property, from the hilltop main building to the ocean's edge, all offering wide terraces or balconies with sea and island views.